Train Platforms and Shelter Sheds.—The platforms vary in height from rail to car floor level. Where rapid exit of passengers from cars is required, the high or car floor level platform is used. Elsewhere the lower level platform is found. Usually one plat form serves two tracks, one at either side, the passenger, baggage, mail and express traffic, all being handled thereon. At some sta tions separate baggage platforms are provided. The train plat forms are usually protected from the weather by a continuous roof or by so-called umbrella sheds over each platform, which sometimes extend over the adjacent tracks.
Stairways, Elevators and Ramps.—When the tracks are at a different level from the station and streets, stairways are used to connect them. In addition, elevators or lifts and esca lators are used, and in recent stations the incline or ramp has been introduced. Passenger and Baggage Bridges or Subways.—These features are required to eliminate the necessity of passengers, bag gage, mail and express traffic crossing the tracks at grade. The bridges and subways also furnish the means of intercommunica tion and interchange between the several train platforms. At stub stations, this interchange is secured through an intercommuni cating platform or "midway" placed between the ends of the stub tracks and the train gates of the concourse. Offices, Railroad and Station Staff.—Adequate office space conveniently located and arranged is provided for the station and railroad staff.
Baggage.—Baggage is handled in space accessible to passengers and in communicating contact with the train platform. In large modern stations the rooms for -checking hand baggage, inbound and outbound, and for baggage transfer are located in contact with the station proper rather than the baggage room. Checks and pieces of baggage are handled between the checking rooms and the baggage rooms by pneumatic tubes and mechanical conveyors.
Mail.—This traffic is handled in three ways according to its vol ume : in small lots occupying a portion of a baggage car and the station baggage room; by car load lots in mail cars and in sepa rate mail rooms at stations ; and by solid train lots and in separate buildings. In large stations all three ways are used.